Thickson’s Woods Dawn Chorus & Nature Walk - Sunday, May 3rd

Join Ontario Nature and Thickson's Woods Land Trust at Thickson's Woods on Sunday, May 3, 2026, in celebration of National Dawn Chorus Day for a special community birding experience in one of the region’s most important coastal forests.

This event will feature two sessions to suit different schedules and interests: start your day with the Dawn Chorus (6:00 a.m. – 7:30 a.m.), where well-known birder and Atlas Coordinator Mike Burrell will lead participants in listening and looking for migratory songbirds as they fill the forest with early morning calls, OR join us later for the Morning Nature Walk (9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.), a relaxed hike through woodland and along the Lake Ontario shoreline in search of spring migrants and other wildlife. We'll have coffee and pastries for the early morning risers, and a picnic lunch will be provided at 11 a.m..

Thickson’s Woods is known for its rich biodiversity, especially during spring migration, and features relatively flat trails through forested habitat near the Lake Ontario shoreline. Local naturalists share that we should be treated to seeing courting common goldeneyes and long-tailed ducks and red-necked grebes  doing courtship displays in early May. No birding experience is required and everyone is welcome!

Thickson’s Woods Land Trust is a volunteer-driven Nature Network member that has been stewarding and protecting Thickson’s Woods for decades, working to preserve the site as a nature reserve and maintain its ecological integrity for future generations. Their ongoing stewardship supports the long-term conservation of this unique old-growth forest and its biodiversity. 

Details:

• Date: Sunday, May 3, 2026 (join us at 6:00 a.m. or 9:00 a.m.)
• Please register online by April 29th.
• Friends and family are welcome!
• Please bring binoculars if you have them; a limited number will be available to borrow.
• If you are joining the morning chorus, you may want to bring a fold-up chair. There are limited resting benches in the meadow.
• We will be sending an email to everyone who registered with more details a week in advance.
• Contact for more information: kaylas@ontarionature.org or 416-444-8419 ext. 242.

Directions: 

From Highway 401 in Whitby, take Thickson Road south past Wentworth Street to the Waterfront Trail. Park on either side of Thickson Road or in the lot provided south of the entrance to the Waterfront Trail. Walk east along the Waterfront Trail 100 metres. Enter the meadow at a walkway through the spruce hedge on the north side of the trail. The entrance to the woods is via a trail opposite the trail into the meadow.

This event was made possible thanks to funding from TD Friends of the Environment Foundation.

By participating in the event, you agree to abide by the Event Code of Conduct.

Cover photo: Yellow Warblers © Jim Richards